Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Will FOWLES (Ringwood) (09:52): I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of country across Victoria and pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging. This week has been a historic week in Victoria’s journey to reconciliation. It is a moment to reflect not only on culture and history but on where we go from here. Treaty is not just symbolic; it is a practical way to improve outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians. For decades governments of all persuasions have failed to close the gap, yet the gap remains in health, in education, in life expectancy and in justice. Aboriginal people still die younger, earn less and are more likely to be incarcerated or removed from family. These are not just statistics; they reflect a system that has not delivered. That is why treaty matters. It is about involving First Peoples in the decisions that affect them. It is about building better services with local knowledge and shared responsibility. It is good governance, and it just makes sense. As assembly co-chair Ngarra Murray said this week, some seek to inflame division, but treaty is about building something better. It is about improving lives. It is not just symbolic, it is about structural change, mutual respect and justice. As representatives and community members, we must hold ourselves accountable to that vision. I look forward to walking this path together – as the member for Hastings said, walking gently across country, guided by respect, truth and hope for a fairer Victoria.